Thermodynamic performance simulation and design optimisation of trilateral-cycle engines for waste heat recovery-to-power generation

摘要: Abstract The trilateral cycle (TLC) is one of the most promising alternatives among heat recovery-to-power technologies, due to its compact system configuration and high performance at relatively low compression work low-to-moderate expander inlet temperature. These feats make TLC beneficial for off-grid applications particularly in remote or offshore where power-to-weight ratio power plant significance. This study presents thermodynamic simulation design optimisation TLCs using unconventional working fluid generation from low-grade waste heat, which considered process development integration TLC. Four configurations, comprising simple TLC, recuperated reheat regenerative are analysed compared their metrics. Based on theory steady-state steady-flow thermodynamics, models plants, corresponding processes established implemented engineering equation solver. results show that thermal efficiencies employing n-pentane 11.85–21.97%, 12.32–23.91%, 11.86–22.07% 12.01–22.9% respectively subcritical operating conditions with temperature limit 393–473 K. suggest optimised enhanced exchange as well A comparative these cycles shows proposed achieved best